i'm mitt romney, and i approve this message. >>> with the election neck and neck, how did some of the nicest people in the country end up with some of the meanest politics? crucial swing state wisconsin is already battle weary after the contentious recall vote of their governor scott walker, and now, it's become a battleground. battleground wisconsin. here's "nightline" co-anchor bill weir for your voice, your vote. >> paul ryan heads back to his home state. >> reporter: ramble through the midwest these days and the old real estate agent's mantra of location, location, location takes on a whole new meaning. for example. these voters -- they are worth their weight in electoral college gold because they live in swing state wisconsin. meanwhile, way over here in illinois, this place is a deep blue foregone conclusion. no matter what these leaf raking romney fans do. >> most of the state of illinois is going to be red but chicago's going to be blue. just going to go blue. i understand the electoral college. it's a little different situation now. >> reporter: yeah, yeah. >> you have a vide